Victoria University students parade through city to celebrate success

Thursday, 11 December 2025

More than a thousand Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s graduates paraded through Wellington today as they celebrated their achievements.

Half the group had earned postgraduate qualifications. Honorary doctorates were bestowed on business leader Dame Theresa Gattung and legal luminary Sir David Carruthers. This graduation period included the first Doctor of Nursing to be conferred by the University Council.

“We are in a time of global change, but our graduates have developed values and relationships that will sustain them throughout their lives,” said says Chancellor Alan Judge in a statement.

“To our graduates—our future leaders and innovators, I look forward to walking alongside as you lead us into the future with integrity, perseverance, and empathy.”

Visual journalist Monique Ford was at the parade.